Honda Insight: Detroit Bound

Motoring Channel Staff - 5/December/2008

Honda Insight

The Honda Insight Concept was firstshown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show

Tokyo, Japan —
If the recent spike in petrol prices didn't convince car makers to try
new things and increase spending on super low emission vehicles early
in 2008, the current financial crisis could be considered round
two.

Honda
is hoping to stymie tumbling car sales in North America and in other
crucial markets by releasing the Honda Insight Hybrid at a price that
undercuts the Toyota Prius, which is currently the world's most
recognisable green car.

Honda insiders say the new model will be priced at around US$19,000 which undercuts the Toyota Prius by $3,000.

But don't expect Toyota to take this lying down. It could also reveal a few surprises for the Prius Hybrid.

The
Japanese marque will unveil the production version of the Insight
Hybrid at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2009, where it will release
details on the hybrid system detailing how efficient the vehicle is,
along with the price.

The new Honda Insight Hybrid is a 5-seater, 5-door hybrid that will go on sale in the first half of 2009 in America, Europe and Japan, and is expected to arrive in Australia in 2010.

According
to Honda, this new photo is the first image of the US production
version of the Insight Hybrid, which was first shown as a concept car at Paris in October 2008.

Early
reports say the vehicle will be more efficient than the Toyota Prius
because it uses more advanced technology and battery systems, and could
be capable of using just 3.5 litres of fuel per 100km (67mpg)
or 3.5L/100km on the highway cycle.

It has also revealed
the Insight Hybrid will have another method besides its
petrol-electric engine to improve fuel economy.

The new hybrid will "utilise a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy
enhancement technology named the Ecological Drive Assist System" reads the media statement.

"The
new feedback system gives the driver real time information about their
driving performance, to help them reduce their fuel consumption and
Carbon Dioxide Emissions" it continues.

This
system will most likely encourage owners to drive smoothly, to not to
accelerate uphill and suggest other techniques to reduce fuel
consumption.

The Honda Insight Hybrid is expected to use around 5.8L/100km (40mpg) on the city cycle, which is still remarkably frugal.